Content

• Steps

Coughing is the body's natural response to a posterior nasal discharge and stuffy nose. Although a natural symptom of colds and allergies, a prolonged cough can cause irritation and discomfort.If the cough persists for several weeks and is accompanied by symptoms such as fever and fatigue, you should see your doctor to determine if you have a respiratory infection. If not, you can relieve the uncomfortable cough with a number of home remedies and over-the-counter medications

Steps

Part 1 of 6: Drink Enough Water

1. 

   Drink a lot of water. Upper respiratory tract infections can cause posterior nasal discharge and lead to coughing. Drinking water will dilute the mucus when infected with an upper respiratory tract infection, thereby helping to reduce coughing caused by a runny nose later.
   • Drinking enough water also helps to moisturize and protect mucous membranes, thereby helping to reduce the dry throat and dry nasal passages that often occur in dry winter air. A dry mouth and throat can irritate and make you want to cough.

2. 

   
   
   Drink hot tea mixed with honey. Hot drinks help soothe sore and irritated throat conditions caused by constant coughing. Honey is a natural cough suppressant. In fact, research has proven that honey is an effective cough remedy similar to a cough suppressant because it contains dextromethorpan to help reduce nighttime coughs.
   • Hot drinking water will thin mucus in the throat. Drink herbal teas such as peppermint or eucalyptus to thin mucus and relieve cough.

3. 

   
   
   Eat chicken soup. Chicken soup helps relieve congestion when coughing caused by a cold. Researchers have proven chicken broth has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces congestion.
   • Chicken soup dilutes mucus - an irritant and coughing agent.
   • Warm chicken soup also helps soothe irritated tissue in the back of the throat.
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Part 2 of 6: Try Natural Treatments

1. 

   
   
   Consult with your doctor about herbal remedies. Several herbs are used in folklore to treat coughs. Herbs can interact with diseases or prescription medications, so for safety consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it. You can find most of these herbal remedies for coughs at a health food store or drugstore. Consider the following herbs:
   • Marshmallow. The marshmallow here is not a marshmallow to put in a hot cocoa, but a marshmallow - a mucus-containing herb that helps reduce throat irritation. It is usually available in the form of tea, tincture or capsules.
   • Slippery elm. Slippery elm promotes mucus production, making it fluid enough not to irritate the throat. Lubricants are available in the form of tablets, capsules, lozenges, teas, and extracts.
   • Licorice root. Not licorice candy, licorice root is a traditional remedy for coughs and sore throats. The active ingredient glycyrrhiza in licorice root can lead to serious side effects. Therefore, use licorice that has been removed from glycyrrhizina (DGL) only with your doctor's approval. Licorice is available in the form of medicinal alcohol, caplet (capsule combination tablet), tea or extract.
   • Thyme grass. This herb helps to relieve coughs and acute bronchitis. However, to avoid poisoning, do not drink thyme oil. Instead, use fresh or dried thyme leaves to brew tea and enjoy.

2. 

   Add a probiotic (probiotic) to your diet. Probiotics can't treat coughs directly, but they can help reduce or even prevent colds and flu. In addition, probiotics also help reduce pollen allergies. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium These are the two probiotics you should use.
   • Look for yogurt and other probiotic fortified products. You can also take probiotic supplements.
   • People with a weakened immune system or taking immunosuppressants should consult their doctor before taking probiotics.

3. 

   Try spirulina. Spirulina is a strain of blue microalgae that helps the body fight allergies by blocking the release of histamine, thereby helping to reduce cough caused by allergies.
   • People with a weakened immune system or taking immunosuppressants should consult their doctor before taking spirulina.

4. 

   Use salt water to wash the effervescent. Salt water can clear your sinuses and relieve coughs by removing mucus from the back of the nose (throat irritant). You can buy brine, available at most drug stores, or make your own at home.
   • To make your own brine, mix ⅛ teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water. Soak a clean washcloth in the saline solution.
   • Place the towel near your nose and inhale. Alternatively, you can use a Neti pot or a syringe to clean your sinuses.
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Part 3 of 6: Changing the Environment

1. 

   Use steam to relieve congestion. You can take a hot bath or inhale the hot steam. This is a safe and effective way to temporarily relieve congestion.
   • Steam helps relieve coughing by loosening secretions in the nose and respiratory tract.
   • This will help reduce coughs caused by colds, allergies, asthma and lower respiratory infections.
   • Add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to the water or use a peppermint bath bomb to relieve congestion.

2. 

   Try a humidifier. Dry air causes nasal discharge to thicken and cause coughing. A humidifier is a humidifier for indoor air. This is a safe and effective way to temporarily relieve congestion. Humidifying the air helps to gradually dissolve mucus in the nose and chest, thereby helping to reduce coughing.
   • However, do not overdo the humidifier. The air that is too humid will allow mold to grow indoors. A mold allergy can cause a more severe cough.
   • Use a humidifier only at night. Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold from growing inside it.

3. 

   Get rid of all irritants in your home. Scents, smoke, and allergens in products can cause a chronic cough. Scented candles, lotions, and room sprays can irritate the nose in some people. When the nose is irritated, mucus forms and leads to a cough.
   • Tobacco smoke is a common cough stimulant. Stop smoking and ask a member of the household or the person around you to quit or go outside.
   • You should increase vigilance if you are allergic to pets or mold. Regularly wipe damp surfaces to prevent mold build-up and remove pet hair.
   • Keep a clean and dust-free environment to prevent irritation.
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Part 4 of 6: Taking Over-the-Counter Medicines

1. 

   Use a cough suppressant. There are many types and flavors of cough drops that help to temporarily suppress a cough. Try a cough suppressant that contains Menthol (peppermint oil) as it is a natural cough suppressant. Menthol can numb the back of the throat, thereby preventing irritation from coughing.
   • If you can't stand the smell of cough medicine, you can suck on hard candies to help relieve the irritation caused by the coughing attack.

2. 

   Try an over-the-counter decongestant. An over-the-counter decongestant helps to soothe swollen nasal passages and reduce mucus. It can also remove mucus in your chest and reduce coughing up phlegm.
   • The drug comes in the form of tablets, liquid and nasal spray.
   • Look for medicines that contain the active ingredients pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
   • Medicines can increase blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure should be careful when using.
   • You should only use the nasal spray for 2-3 days because the stuffy nose will recur with long term use.

3. 

   Try cough suppressants or expectorants. If the cough is persistent, painful and uncomfortable, cough suppressants may help. An expectorant loosens mucus in the chest and nose, so it will be easily coughed out.
   • Look for a cough suppressant that contains dextromethorphan.
   • Antitussives may cause drowsiness, so they should only be used at night.
   • If your cough is a lot and is accompanied by phlegm, you can take an expectorant, such as Guaifenesin.
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Part 5 of 6: Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux Cough

1. 

   Determine if you have a cough caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as acid reflux or chronic heartburn) - is a very common cause of a persistent and difficult-to-treat cough. GERD causes the stomach to dilate, allowing stomach acids to flow back up the throat and over the esophagus, ultimately leading to heartburn, pain, and cough. The cough usually gets worse in the morning.
   • 90% of chronic coughs are caused by GERD, asthma, and posterior nasal discharge.
   • Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, a sour mouth, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, coughing, sore throat, and feeling like a lump in the throat, especially after eating.

2. 

   Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts pressure on the stomach and aggravates symptoms of GERD.You should see your doctor even if your body weight is at a healthy level. If your body weight is not normal, your doctor will recommend a diet and exercise suitable for your health and fitness conditions.
   • Increasing aerobic exercise and a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein are good ways to maintain a healthy weight.

3. 

   Avoid tight clothing. Tight clothing can put pressure on your stomach, causing stomach acid to back up in your throat and cause a cough.

4. 

   Pillows high in the head. Sleeping head pillow helps prevent heartburn and reduce cough caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Use extra pillows to raise your head or raise the head of your bed.

5. 

   Eat at the right time before going to bed. Going to bed immediately after eating can lead to gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, including a cough. Sleep time should be 3-4 hours after eating. Keep your back upright for at least 30 minutes after a meal.

6. 

   Avoid reflux triggers. Certain foods and drinks will trigger gastroesophageal reflux disease. These foods and drinks may differ from person to person, however, the most common are:
   • Tomato
   • Chocolate
   • Alcohol-based beverages
   • Mint
   • Garlic and onions
   • Caffeine
   • Fatty or fried foods
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Part 6 of 6: Finding Medical Care

1. 

   Know when to see a doctor. Chronic coughs can last for more than 8 weeks in adults and more than 4 weeks in children. After you have tried several things that the cough does not go away and has lasted for a few weeks, make an appointment with your doctor.
   • The cough interferes with sleep, making you tired and weak. See your doctor if your cough keeps you awake and nighttime cough medicine is not working.

2. 

   Look for signs of a severe cough. Most coughs go away on their own or require little treatment. However, some coughs require immediate medical attention. See your doctor as soon as possible or go to the hospital urgently if your cough is accompanied by the following signs:
   • There is blood in the saliva or coughing sputum
   • Smelly saliva or phlegm
   • Weight loss
   • Night sweats
   • Fever
   • Shortness of breath
   • Tired
   • Chest tightness

3. 

   Pediatric examination for cough in children. Many cough remedies and medications may not be safe for children, especially babies and young children. Many doctors do not recommend over-the-counter cough suppressants for children. If your child has a persistent cough, see your pediatrician for advice on appropriate treatment.
   • A humidifier can help reduce mucus congestion, and the salt water can clear your sinuses. These are two treatments that are safe for children.
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